Malaysia Airlines to offer free ‘side trips’ to international passengers Malaysia Airlines to offer free ‘side trips’ to international passengers

We’re always encouraging our readers to spend longer in a destination, soaking in all the sights in one city or adding multiple stops within a country.

And if that’s your preferred method of travelling, we have good news, as Malaysia Airlines has just announced a new ‘Bonus Side Trip’ programme with free domestic flights to one of seven destinations: Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Alor Star, Kuala Terrengganu or Kota Bharu.

Open to both those visiting Malaysia or just transiting through Kuala Lumpur, customers will have the option to add on the return flight while booking, with the only fee applicable being the local government and airport taxes.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines at Malaysia Aviation Group said, “As the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines invites global travellers to experience more and uncover the vibrant beauty of Malaysia through a side trip to one of seven handpicked domestic destinations. The Bonus Side Trip reflects our commitment to championing Malaysia as a preferred destination in Asia. It goes beyond connectivity, curating experiences that extend our Malaysian Hospitality into every corner of the country.”

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is already a popular beach destination, but there’s lots for nature and wildlife lovers, too. You can kayak around the mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, explore the geology at Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, or go diving in Pulau Payar Marine Park.

Similarly, Penang boasts great beaches alongside a UNESCO-listed historic city centre in the state capital, George Town, as well as a surprising amount of nature within the small-but-mighty Penang National Park.

Malaysia Airlines currently operates twice-daily flights between London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur. For those looking to explore Malaysia on a stopover, the airline operates routes to five cities in Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney, as well as Auckland in New Zealand.

More information: malaysiaairlines.com

Read next: 5 unlikely wildlife superstars you’ll find in Langkawi, Malaysia